Critical Christmas for Seasiders

7:30am Thursday 4th December 2008

PENARTH RFC again approach the festive season with a league programme that holds the promise of both triumph and disaster.

Of course those two imposters should be treated just the same, but it's hard to view a visit from undefeated Llantwit Fardre in the same light as a trip to Nantymoel who are without a win since the opening day of the season.

One thing's for sure, if the Seasiders can manage to turn the tables on the league leaders at the Athletic Field this coming Saturday, the next three games against Nantymoel, Llanishen and Fairwater all offer the possibility of maximum points and a re-launch for the stalled Penarth promotion challenge.

While the Seasiders were being treated to a lesson in finishing up at Division 1 Penallta the other week, Fardre continued their winning run in the 3rd round of the Swalec Cup with an impressive 17-3 defeat of Division 2 Waunarlwydd.

This extended their undefeated stretch from the end of last season to 12 games, so it's fair to say they're in pretty good nick.

The Church Village outfit are certainly focused on gaining a place in Division 2 (E) next season, but Treorchy, also undefeated this season, will probably have something to say about that.

Interestingly, the sides have yet to meet this season, after their September fixture was postponed.

It would appear from the statistics that Llantwit's strength lies not so much in scoring tries as preventing them and they've conceded only 7 in six games so far.

This provides an interesting contrast to Penarth's predeliction for scoring plenty while shipping them at the other end.

Clearly we can expect the Seasiders to attack with some width and let's hope there's a little more imagination on display than last time out when the crash ball ruled supreme and got them precisely nowhere.

However, above all, let's not forget the last meeting between the two sides on St David's Day this year when a severely depleted Penarth side were narrowly denied a famous victory with a final-move drop-goal in a 9-7 scoreline.

An earlier try by flanker James Cosslett left the Seasiders in an unlikely 6-7 lead after a team featuring a semi-retired lock and the first team coach as props had covered themselves in glory.

More of the same please boys!

FIXTURE

Saturday, December 6, Swalec Welsh League Division 3 (SE), Penarth v Llantwit Fardre, at the Athletic Field, Lavernock Road, kick-off 2.30pm.